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Official Roku HD/XD/XDS Owners Thread - Page 2

post #31 of 638
10/23/10 at 12:01pm
Just to clarify, the "info" button I was referring to on the new remote is the one labelled as "i". I guess I just assumed it meant "info".

Glad you are enjoying your Roku...I know I love mine!
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post #32 of 638
10/23/10 at 3:58pm
I had an XD delivered yesterday. I like the UI and the Netflix quality, but it seems the signal varies a bit on which channel you're using. On Netflix I get a full four bar (or circles rather) signal indicator, while Flixter only gets one bar (and pretty unwatchable quality). But, I've only had it a day so I can't say if that's going to be a normal thing. I'm using it wirelessly with the router (D-link 655) two rooms over.
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post #33 of 638
10/23/10 at 6:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hps70w View Post

Just to clarify, the "info" button I was referring to on the new remote is the one labelled as "i". I guess I just assumed it meant "info".

Glad you are enjoying your Roku...I know I love mine!

Great, so what model do you have? I just checked my XDS remote, supposedly the new one, and did not see the "i" button.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sb1 View Post

I had an XD delivered yesterday. I like the UI and the Netflix quality, but it seems the signal varies a bit on which channel you're using. On Netflix I get a full four bar (or circles rather) signal indicator, while Flixter only gets one bar (and pretty unwatchable quality). But, I've only had it a day so I can't say if that's going to be a normal thing. I'm using it wirelessly with the router (D-link 655) two rooms over.

When I was checking out Flixter last night I did not pay attention to the bars. But some of the clips from there, even HD, for sure suffered severe macro-blocking. So, I think it was it was a source issue and not a very smart way to advertise their new movies.
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post #34 of 638
10/23/10 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XJ6 View Post

Great, so what model do you have? I just checked my XDS remote, supposedly the new one, and did not see the "i" button.

Ah, I'm guessing your remote has an "*" button then? That's the button I'm referring to. I have an XDS, but it was a beta unit, so the remote I have apparently doesn't have the final production labeling. It appears from a quick image search that they changed it before release. Although, the images of the remote on Roku's website still show the button labeled as "i", instead of "*".
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post #35 of 638
10/24/10 at 10:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XJ6 View Post


When I was checking out Flixter last night I did not pay attention to the bars. But some of the clips from there, even HD, for sure suffered severe macro-blocking. So, I think it was it was a source issue and not a very smart way to advertise their new movies.

I just moved the Roku to the same room as the router and the signal was up to four bars. Still not sure why Netflix gets a four bar signal farther away, though, when Flixster only gets one.
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post #36 of 638
10/24/10 at 3:09pm
Im currently using my TiVo HD for 94 cent Amazon HD TV episodes, and was considering adding a Roku XDS. My local OTA channels have subchannels, and the PQ is subpar IMO. The Amazon 1080i VOD episodes look VERY good, and I was wondering what the Hulu + HD looks like.
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post #37 of 638
10/24/10 at 3:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElwayLite View Post

Im currently using my TiVo HD for 94 cent Amazon HD TV episodes, and was considering adding a Roku XDS. My local OTA channels have subchannels, and the PQ is subpar IMO. The Amazon 1080i VOD episodes look VERY good, and I was wondering what the Hulu + HD looks like.

Hulu+ on the Roku has not been released yet.
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post #38 of 638
10/25/10 at 4:54am
Ah, for some reason I thought it had, guess the beta is still on.
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post #39 of 638
10/25/10 at 6:33am
Thread Starter 
I also see PlayOn is coming to Roku (I don't know if it was available before as a "hack" or whatever, but it's "official" now). I tell you, I think the Roku is making a dent. Hulu+, PlayOn (not that I think PlayOn is that great...I personally hate it, but I know others like it); it seems to be partnering up nicely, while some of these others flounder around. I think it's because it's a nice, simple, solid box...at a great price ($59 for my HD)...and it's a piece of technology that is actually finding its way into people's homes.

In other words, these services feel like Roku can help them attract customers, instead of what appears to be the other way around; like PopBox wanting to get Netflix, because it'll help bring customers to Syabas. The Roku isn't the end-all, be-all for sure...but I can't remember the last time I got so much for $60.

CD
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post #40 of 638
10/25/10 at 10:05am
I agree. You really do get a lot for such a reasonably priced STB.

Regarding PlayOn: Yes, there was a private channel available for PlayOn prior to the release of the official one supported by PlayOn. In fact, they were developed by two completely different people. I won't go into details, but it has been the source for some contention over at the Roku forums. Also, from what I've read, people seem to have better luck with the private channel than the official one. Go figure.
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post #41 of 638
10/25/10 at 10:18am
I wish CBS would get in to 99 cent HD rentals. If they came on board, with ABC and Fox there, along with Hulu +, I'd really not need a tv provider anymore.
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post #42 of 638
10/25/10 at 10:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

I personally hate it, but I know others like it);CD

I don't know anyone that "likes" it. More accurate to say, "appreciates it as a necessary evil.

If Hulu+ dropped to $5 *and* offered all the cable content (with access to all episodes) that they offer on the regular hulu, then a Roku by itself would be the Bee's Knees. As it is, all I see available on Hulu+ are the broadcast shows that I already have access to.

As such, spotty support through Play On for hulu is a better value than the official hulu+ support.

-Suntan
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post #43 of 638
10/25/10 at 11:45am
Just ordered my first Roku (XD). Extremely excited to try out Playon and/or Hulu+ (when available). To those who have used playon, how do you like it? I've tried it through the Wii and to be frank, it sucks. Everything from the menu, to the playback (choppy, pixilated, ect). To be fair, my processor is rated as medium and I didn't mess around with the settings. So has anyone compared Playon via Roku to Playon via Wii? What should I expect?
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post #44 of 638
10/25/10 at 11:54am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by berger6696 View Post

Just ordered my first Roku (XD). Extremely excited to try out Playon and/or Hulu+ (when available). To those who have used playon, how do you like it? I've tried it through the Wii and to be frank, it sucks. Everything from the menu, to the playback (choppy, pixilated, ect). To be fair, my processor is rated as medium and I didn't mess around with the settings. So has anyone compared Playon via Roku to Playon via Wii? What should I expect?

I guess you mean specifically on Roku? Because I just said I hated it, and Suntan just said no one likes it, but more that it's a necessary evil; I think that kind of sums it up...lol.

I can't say for sure, but I'd have no expectation it's any better on the Roku. To me, the problem with PlayOn is it's all dependent on hosting it on a scream-machine; if your PC still gives you "medium" performance, I wouldn't expect Roku to handle it much better than any other device that streams it.

Oh yeah, and transcoding sucks!

CD
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post #45 of 638
10/25/10 at 12:11pm
What is it you don't like about it? How does it look/sound? I really dont care that it ties up my pc (we dont use that one very often) just that it looks and sounds pretty good. Which version do you have (official or private)? Sounds like the private channel works better. Either way, I'm just doing the trial version of playon currently so if it looks like crap I'll just subscribe to hulu+ when it comes out.
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post #46 of 638
10/25/10 at 12:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hps70w View Post

Ah, I'm guessing your remote has an "*" button then? ...

Yes, the new remote has the * which stands for OPTIONS.
The more I look into it, the more I think the Roku has an architectural limitation where it cannot overlay textual info on top of the live picture. I suppose it could display the program info when you pause. That would be better than nothing, right? What is the best way to communicate a suggestion to Roku developers?
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post #47 of 638
10/25/10 at 12:34pm
IMO, hulu basic looks like crap through Play On, this even when watching on a 32 from 13+ feet away.

Netflix through Play On doesn't look too bad in the same situation.

The problem with hulu+, again imo, is that the cable channels are resisting with great effort in allowing their shows to be accessed through the TV on hulu+. As such, most of the stuff available on hulu+ us the free broadcast stuff.

Hulu basic actually has a better listing of shows (even if they only keep a maddening random 4 episodes of a lot of them.)

-Suntan
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post #48 of 638
10/25/10 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XJ6 View Post

What is the best way to communicate a suggestion to Roku developers?

There is a (very long) "suggestions" thread in the Roku forums here: http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=16753

Or you could try private messaging one of the Roku employees directly. RokuJamesL and RokuJon are quite active on the forum, but they don't always have time to respond to every message.
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post #49 of 638
10/25/10 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by berger6696 View Post

What is it you don't like about it? How does it look/sound? I really dont care that it ties up my pc (we dont use that one very often) just that it looks and sounds pretty good. Which version do you have (official or private)? Sounds like the private channel works better. Either way, I'm just doing the trial version of playon currently so if it looks like crap I'll just subscribe to hulu+ when it comes out.

You name it; looks bad, sounds bad...stutters, it's a resource hog. I said I've never used it on the Roku; I've done trials on the PS3, and XBMC XBox...and didn't like it. You said yourself, you tried it on the Wii and it sucks. Sucks on PS3, XBMC Xbox, Wii; what makes you think it'll be great on Roku?

CD
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post #50 of 638
10/25/10 at 1:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CDLehner View Post

You name it; looks bad, sounds bad...stutters, it's a resource hog. I said I've never used it on the Roku; I've done trials on the PS3, and XBMC XBox...and didn't like it. You said yourself, you tried it on the Wii and it sucks. Sucks on PS3, XBMC Xbox, Wii; what makes you think it'll be great on Roku?

CD

I never said I think it'll be great on Roku. I'm just hoping for better than Wii quality. Its pretty much unwatchable on the Wii.
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post #51 of 638
10/26/10 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hps70w View Post

There is a (very long) "suggestions" thread in the Roku forums here: http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=16753

Or you could try private messaging one of the Roku employees directly. RokuJamesL and RokuJon are quite active on the forum, but they don't always have time to respond to every message.

Thanks, I have read different segments of that 55-page thread. Similar suggestions to mine have been given a LOOONG time ago. After spending a few more days with the Roku, this lack of "info" has turned into a real nag for me. I like this box a lot but I will have to decide if I can get over it...
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post #52 of 638
10/27/10 at 5:20pm
What is the difference between the XD & XDS? Is it worth the extra dough for the XDS?

Are the models sold at Best Buy the same as the ones on Roku's website? If not, what are the differences?

Thanks for your help.
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post #53 of 638
10/27/10 at 5:24pm
I currently have a Samsung bd-2550 that has an upscaler in it that i specifically purchased for the better quality video it outputs especially for Netflix content. However, the box has been horribly supported by samsung with very limited firmware updates.

My question is if I will see a noticeable PQ difference on Netflix through the Roku as opposed to the sammy i currently own?

Thanks
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post #54 of 638
10/27/10 at 8:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pmisra08 View Post

What is the difference between the XD & XDS? Is it worth the extra dough for the XDS?

Are the models sold at Best Buy the same as the ones on Roku's website? If not, what are the differences?

Thanks for your help.

The XDS has the following features that are not present on the XD:

- Dual-band wireless
- Component output and optical audio output
- USB port

Everything else is the same.

If you have an older TV that doesn't support HDMI, or you are just out of HDMI inputs on your HDTV, then the component outputs could certainly make the XDS more attractive than the XD. The USB port is a nice additional feature as well, although the file type and codec support for playing back your local media is very limited on the Roku.

As far as I know, the Netgear XD model is the same as the XD. It's just rebranded with the Netgear name for sale in retail outlets like Best Buy and Fry's.
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post #55 of 638
10/28/10 at 11:19am
So what exactly is the disconnect for 5.1 on roku. On roku's site it says the player is capable of 5.1 but they say there is no content on netflix that is 5.1. Given that they have announced 5.1 for the PS3 is there really an update that is going to be required for the roku to play it? Does anyone know of any titles on netflix that are 5.1 so we can see if it actually works?
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post #56 of 638
10/28/10 at 11:34am
From what I have read on the Roku forums, people seem to indicate that Netflix has separate streams specifically for Roku boxes. I can't verify if that's true or not, but if it is, that may be why Netflix is capable of enabling 5.1 for the PS3 and not for other STBs.

As you said, the Roku box does support 5.1, so it shouldn't require anything more than a possible (automatic) upgrade of the Netflix channel once it's available.
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post #57 of 638
10/28/10 at 1:32pm
Correct. Right now 5.1 and 1080 netflix streaming is only supported for PS3. It's a Netflix thing, not a Roku thing.

Although it is pure conjecture on my part (there is a good deal of anecdotal evidence) netflix is in the midst of trying to determine what makes the most sense in overhauling their streaming business and they are using PS3 owners as their test subjects.

I would hazard to guess that Roku is fully ready and willing (or at least they should be) to support 1080/5.1 just as soon as Netflix rolls it out beyond PS3 users.

Lastly, I would offer that the 1080/5.1 service from Netflix has the ability to be amazingly good. I am quite impressed to say the least.

-Suntan
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post #58 of 638
10/28/10 at 2:12pm
I started a thread about not being able to connect consistently using Wi-Fi. This despite a Speedtest.net result consistently in excess of 20mbps (and as high as 31mbps) on my laptop, which is four feet in front of (and four feet further from the router) the Roku, using Wi-fi. It was so frustrating, I returned the player.

But I really wanted the Roku thing to work out. So, I decided to take a chance and bought a pair of Asoka Ethernet over powerline adapters from an E-bay vendor. After making sure that they worked by testing them on the aforementioned laptop, I ordered the XD from Amazon.

What a huge difference! While, according to Speedtest, this connection isn't nearly as fast as the Wi-Fi one, the Roku likes it. Even during peak usage times, I'm getting the coveted 4 dots and HD.
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post #59 of 638
10/28/10 at 8:25pm
Roku has pulled PlayOn from their lineup - both the private and officially supported channels. If you already have one of the channels installed, they should remain intact, but you will no longer be able to get anymore updates or add either channel from now on. No doubt a copyright infringement claim from a content owner (uh-hum...I'm looking at you Hulu). Not the first time this has happened in Roku-land.

http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php...211492#p211492
http://www.playon.tv/forum/general/g...#comment-22815
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post #60 of 638
10/29/10 at 6:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hps70w View Post

Roku has pulled PlayOn from their lineup - both the private and officially supported channels. If you already have one of the channels installed, they should remain intact, but you will no longer be able to get anymore updates or add either channel from now on. No doubt a copyright infringement claim from a content owner (uh-hum...I'm looking at you Hulu). Not the first time this has happened in Roku-land.

http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php...211492#p211492
http://www.playon.tv/forum/general/g...#comment-22815

WOW! No great loss to me or anything, because I'm on record about PlayOn; but I can't believe they announce it "officially", and then pull both incarnations so quickly. Something sure ruffled someone's feathers.

CD
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